On Thursday the 25 th January 2007 , 2028 Southam Squadron held their Annual Awards evening at their Squadron Headquarters. The special guest for the evening was Mr Keith Bristow, Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police. He was joined by Wing Commander Pravin Ladwa, Officer Commanding Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing, Squadron Leader Martin Harrison the Wing Training and Personnel Officer and Flight Lieutenant 'Bob' Foster, our new Wing Staff Officer, together with friends and relatives of the Cadets.

The evening started with Flight Lieutenant Daryll Moreton, the Squadron Commander, welcoming everyone and then giving an 'overview' of the Squadron's achievements during 2006. Wing Commander Ladwa then presented a number of Classification Awards and a Gliding Scholarship Certificate after which he kindly said a few words.

Flight Lieutenant Moreton then invited the Chief Constable to join him and present the Squadron Awards for 2006. Awards presented were for Tryer of the Year, Most Improved Cadet, Best Turnout, Best New Recruit and Best Cadet of 2006. Best Cadet went to Flight Sergeant Milburn who has been involved in so many of the Squadron's projects and Community work. Two special awards for services to the Squadron were also made to C.I. Steve Rogers and Mrs Lynda Scriven a civilian committee member, for their hard work in support of the Cadets throughout the last year.

Mr Bristow then took the opportunity to thank everyone for inviting him to make the presentations and remarked how much he appreciated the hard work and dedication that went into being an Air Cadet. He also paid tribute to the staff and civilian committee for giving up so much of their time in support of the Cadets.

After the presentations everyone relaxed over a drink and took the opportunity to meet and have a chat with the guests before going home after what everyone described as a very enjoyable evening and a great way to celebrate a successful year.

Flight Lieutenant Moreton said afterwards, 'having the Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police take time out to present our Awards was a real privilege and all the Cadets thoroughly enjoyed meeting him. It was also great to have the Wing Commander and Squadron Leader Harrison with us on this special evening, its means so much to the Cadets and their families.'

On Sunday the 21 st January, 2007 7 Cadets and Staff from 2028 Squadron held a 'Recruiting Day' at their Squadron Headquarters in Watton's Lane, Southam. The building was 'themed' for the day to demonstrate the wide variety of activities and community involvement that the Air Cadets offers to young people. Each classroom and the main hall were laid out with both visual and electronic demonstrations, all prepared and arranged by the Cadets themselves. Talks were also given on the
Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and the wide variety of projects that the Squadron is involved with, such as the renovation of an ejector seat.

Every possible opportunity to announce the day had been used by the Cadets and Staff including local Radio announcements, use of community web sites and posters displayed in Southam Town Centre and its surrounding villages. The Cadets themselves had also given 'talks' at assemblies in their own Schools. The building
was opened from 11am until 6pm to give everyone an opportunity to visit and not unsurprisingly a group turned up at 5.15pm !

The Civilian Committee were also involved with Secretary, Mrs Lynda Scriven ,
keeping everyone supplied with tea and biscuits.

No one was really sure how the day would go but a number of potential 'recruits' visited the Squadron throughout the day with their friends and family, promising to return on a Parade night to get an active flavour of what the Squadron and the Air Training Corps could offer and of course, to meet the other Cadets.

The Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Moreton remarked, 'the whole idea from start to finish has been put together by the Cadets themselves. They have organised the displays, set up the building, everything in fact and it is their credit that the day was such a success.'

Articles Submitted by:-
Flt Lt Moreton RAF VR(T) CO 2028 (Southam) Squadron
27Jan07